CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON THE ENERGY SECTOR

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CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON THE ENERGY SECTOR

How will climate change impact on energy?

Energy is at the core of economic and social activity. As the European Environmental Agency (EEA) states , energy is essential for the generation of industrial, commercial and societal wealth. It also provides personal comfort and mobility. However, energy production and consumption place considerable pressure on the environment: greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, land use, and waste generation.

A European Commission White Paper published in 2009 outlines the main direct impacts of climate change in the energy sector in terms of both supply and demand.

The projected impact of climate change on precipitation and glacier melt indicate that hydropower production could increase by 5% or more in northern Europe and decrease by 25% or more in southern Europe. Decreased precipitation and heat waves are also expected to influence negatively the cooling process of thermal power plants. On the demand side, increasing summer peaks for cooling and impacts from extreme weather events will affect in particular electricity distribution.

Enhancing the EU's resilience to the impacts of climate change also means the chance to invest in a low-carbon economy, for instance, by promoting energy efficiency and the uptake of green products. In 2014, the Commission presented a framework for climate and energy policies in the period 2020 to 2030, setting out ambitious targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and renewable energy as part of the Union's transition to a competitive low carbon economy. For example, by 2020, at least 20% of the energy supply in the European Union should come from renewable sources.

How Copernicus can help

The Copernicus Services can support the efficient development of energy to meet growing global energy demands without increasing CO2 emissions by providing information related to air temperature forecasts, dust pollutants in the air, wind strength or wave size and frequency. These parameters are crucial in determining where energy can be generated in the most cost-effective way whilst reducing the risks of damage and therefore loss of revenue.